The life of a young black girl, Nella Asuquo, came to shambles at the age of 6 when her grandmother died. A life of loneliness and terror seemed inevitable at the hands of her abusive family until she discovered a set of magical butterflies only she could talk to. Her secret stayed safe during the 8 years that followed as she would covertly visit the butterflies under a red tree but was soon discovered by a young white girl - Annie who against all odds, became her best friend.